Consequences of C4 photosynthesis for the partitioning of growth: a test using C3 and C4 subspecies of Alloteropsis semialata under nitrogen-limitation.

C(4) plants dominate the world's subtropical grasslands, but investigations of their ecology typically focus on climatic variation, ignoring correlated changes in soil nutrient concentration. The hypothesis that higher photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) in C(4) than in C(3) species allows greater flexibility in the partitioning of growth, especially under nutrient-deficient conditions, is tested here. Our experiment applied three levels of N supply to the subtropical grass Alloteropsis semialata, a unique model system with C(3) and C(4) subspecies.

CCND1 polymorphisms (A870G and C1722G) modulate its protein expression and survival in oral carcinoma.

Cyclin D1 is an essential regulator of the G1 phase of the cell cycle progression and plays an important role in the transition of the cell from the G1 phase to the S phase of the cell cycle. Overexpression of cyclin D1 is a frequently observed feature of human cancers of diverse histological origin. Recently, we have reported overexpression of cyclin D1 in oral carcinoma.

Simultaneous GC-EI-MS determination of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-hydroxy-Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in human urine following tandem enzyme-alkaline hydrolysis.

A sensitive and specific method for extraction and quantification of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH) in human urine was developed and fully validated. To ensure complete hydrolysis of conjugates and capture of total analyte content, urine samples were hydrolyzed by two methods in series. Initial hydrolysis was with Escherichia coli beta-glucuronidase (Type IX-A) followed by a second hydrolysis utilizing 10N NaOH.

Impact of arterial load and loading sequence on left ventricular tissue velocities in humans.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between individual components of left ventricular (LV) afterload and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) velocities in humans.

Background: Acute increases in afterload slow diastolic relaxation as assessed invasively, yet little is known about chronic effects of load and loading sequence on LV TDE velocities.

Methods: Forty-eight subjects underwent echo Doppler and color-coded TDE with comprehensive noninvasive vascular assessment.

The topology of hepatitis B virus pregenomic RNA promotes its replication.

Previous analysis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) indicated base pairing between two cis-acting sequences, the 5' half of the upper stem of epsilon and phi, contributes to the synthesis of minus-strand DNA. Our goal was to identify other cis-acting sequences on the pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) involved in the synthesis of minus-strand DNA. We found that large portions of the pgRNA could be deleted or substituted without an appreciable decrease in the level of minus-strand DNA synthesized, indicating that most of the pgRNA is dispensable and that a specific size of the pgRNA is not required for this process.

The relationship between the binding to and permeabilization of phospholipid bilayer membranes by GS14dK4, a designed analog of the antimicrobial peptide gramicidin S.

The cationic beta-sheet cyclic tetradecapeptide cyclo[VKLdKVdYPLKVKLdYP] (GS14dK(4)) is a diastereomeric lysine ring-size analog of the potent naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide gramicidin S (GS) which exhibits enhanced antimicrobial but markedly reduced hemolytic activity compared to GS itself. We have previously studied the binding of GS14dK(4) to various phospholipid bilayer model membranes using isothermal titration calorimetry [Abraham, T. et al.

Cactus spine granuloma.

We describe the case of a 45-year-old woman with a 2-week history of painful erythematous papules on the palmar aspect of the fingertips of her right hand, resulting from contact with a cholla cactus 3 weeks prior in Arizona. The patient initially was given clobetasol propionate ointment, resulting in some improvement; however, the lesions resolved only after punch biopsies were performed to confirm the diagnosis of cactus spine granuloma.

Long-term efficacy of catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) patients. Particular focus was placed on defining the single-procedure efficacy over long-term follow-up.

Background: ARVD/C is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by VT and right ventricular dysfunction.

Utility of tissue Doppler and strain echocardiography in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is a heritable cardiomyopathy characterized by the fibrofatty replacement of right ventricular (RV) myocardium leading to RV failure and arrhythmias. This study evaluated the potential utility of tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) and strain echocardiography (SE) to quantitatively assess RV function and their potential role in diagnosing ARVD. Images of 30 patients with ARVD (diagnosed by task force criteria) and 36 healthy controls were obtained.

Pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and excretion of the intestinal peptide transporter 1 (SLC15A1)-targeted prodrug (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2'S)-(2-amino)propionyl]aminobicyclo[3.1.0.]hexen-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY544344) in rats and dogs: assessment of first-pass bioactivation and dose linearity.

The peptidyl prodrug (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2'S)-(2-Amino)propionyl]a-minobicyclo[3.1.0.

Detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in cardiac amyloidosis with strain rate echocardiography.

Background: We examined the potential role of Doppler myocardial imaging including tissue velocity imaging, strain imaging, and strain rate imaging for detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and determined the minimum dataset required to make the diagnosis.

Methods And Results: Doppler myocardial imaging was performed in 103 patients with amyloidosis (AL). Peak longitudinal systolic tissue velocity, systolic strain rate (sSR), and systolic strain (sS) were determined for 16 left ventricular segments.

Comparison of novel echocardiographic parameters of right ventricular function with ejection fraction by cardiac magnetic resonance.

Background: Assessment of right ventricular (RV) function by echocardiography is challenging. Newer techniques such as tissue Doppler echocardiography and strain echocardiography may allow accurate and quantitative assessment of RV function. We sought to determine which echocardiographic variable or variables best correlated with RV ejection fraction (RVEF) by cardiac magnetic resonance.

Mohs surgical treatment of a granular cell tumor on the toe of a child.

Granular cell tumors are uncommon, usually benign tumors of neural origin. They are most often diagnosed in the third to sixth decades of life and are infrequently seen in the pediatric population. Although they can be found in a wide distribution throughout the body, more than half occur in the oral cavity and other head and neck sites such as the larynx.

Excretion of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in sweat.

Sweat testing is a noninvasive technique for monitoring drug exposure over a 7-day period in treatment, criminal justice, and employment settings. We evaluated Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) excretion in 11 daily cannabis users after cessation of drug use. PharmChek sweat patches worn for 7 days were analyzed for THC by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Avian influenza risk perception, Europe and Asia.

During autumn 2005, we conducted 3,436 interviews in European and Asian countries. We found risk perceptions of avian influenza to be at an intermediate level and beliefs of efficacy to be slightly lower. Risk perceptions were higher in Europe than in Asia; efficacy [corrected] beliefs were lower in Europe than in Asia.

Vascular abnormalities in primary amyloidosis.

Aims: Primary amyloidosis (AL) is a systemic disease; however, there is limited information regarding the presence and character of vascular abnormalities.

Methods And Results: Validated ultrasound techniques were used to prospectively determine carotid artery intimal-medial thickness (IMT) and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in 59 consecutive AL patients and 17 age-similar, healthy, asymptomatic volunteers (CON). Carotid IMT was increased in AL when compared with CON (0.

Myostatin does not regulate cardiac hypertrophy or fibrosis.

Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle growth. Loss of myostatin has been shown to cause increase in skeletal muscle size and improve skeletal muscle function and fibrosis in the dystrophin-deficient mdx muscular dystrophy mouse model. We evaluated whether lack of myostatin has an impact on cardiac muscle growth and fibrosis in vivo.

Beta-blocker therapy induces ventricular resynchronization in dilated cardiomyopathy with narrow QRS complex.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the effects of beta-blocker therapy on regional and global myocardial mechanics in addition to ventricular synchrony in patients with heart failure and normal QRS by using tissue Doppler and strain echocardiography.

Background: It is unknown whether beta-blocker therapy can influence mechanical synchrony.

Methods: Conventional and strain echocardiography were performed in 15 healthy age-matched volunteers and in 25 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC).

Neutron diffraction study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide bilayers.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are a major class of macromolecules populating the surface of Gram-negative bacteria. They contribute significantly to the bacterium's surface properties and play a crucial role in regulating the permeability of its outer membrane. Here, we report on neutron diffraction studies performed on aligned, self-assembled bilayers of LPS isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.

pH sensitive alginate-guar gum hydrogel for the controlled delivery of protein drugs.

Design of a pH sensitive alginate-guar gum hydrogel crosslinked with glutaraldehyde was done for the controlled delivery of protein drugs. Alginate is a non-toxic polysaccharide with favorable pH sensitive properties for intestinal delivery of protein drugs. Drug leaching during hydrogel preparation and rapid dissolution of alginate at higher pH are major limitations, as it results in very low entrapment efficiency and burst release of entrapped protein drug, once it enters the intestine.